Caitlin: Volunteer Helps Refugees
Caitlin Shea, is a special volunteer at Volunteers of America's Education Center. She loves her job at a growing media company but noted, "Sometimes having a job just isn't rewarding enough." That's why she began to seek out community volunteer opportunities. "I needed something else to do in addition to work to feel fulfilled as a person," she explained. "I like to be able to make a difference in people's lives and actually see the results of my volunteer work."
After returning to Minneapolis from a year in Big Sky, Montana, Caitlin was surprised how the refugee population in the Twin Cities had grown. She wondered how she could be a "Good American" and help immigrants adjust, and even thrive, in their new country. Caitlin quickly decided that she was interested in tutoring refugees in reading, so she enrolled in specialized training provided by the Minnesota Literacy Council (MLC).
At MLC training, Heather Cox, the volunteer coordinator from the Volunteers of America Education Center, described ELL (English Language Learner) adult evening programs and volunteer opportunities at the school. Caitlin signed up to volunteer and started work with Volunteers of America in June 2007. Since that time, she has volunteered at the school each Monday evening and has filled in for another instructor during a leave of absence.
Most of the students Caitlin teaches are recent refugees from Somalia. She reports that her first experience at the school was a little bit "awkward" because the class was large, about 30 students, and so many needed help one-on-one because of their varied English and reading abilities. She's learned to use charades and drawings to illustrate and explain concepts. Caitlin is more comfortable teaching now and typically gets to school before class begins to spend time talking with students. She explains that it's important to talk about time and money because so many students don't know the basics. What's more, many don't know where to shop, or how, where, or when to make an appointment with a doctor.
Caitlin says that her experience at the Volunteers of America Education Center has taught her patience. She really enjoys teaching adults because they, unlike children, have more "real life perspective." She explains her work at the school is rewarding because her students are so grateful. "They know the value of what they are learning," Caitlin noted. "It will help them survive in their new country. I can actually see the difference I am making."